Album Review — Dan Reed Network
Dan Reed Network — Let’s Hear It For The King
Dan Reed Network is back with “Let’s Hear It For The King”, the band’s first album since 2018 “Origins”. The album was supposed to be released earlier this year but was delayed and finally sees its release this week.
Dan Reed Network released three albums in the late 80s and early 90s finding more success in Europe than in the States. The band opened for some big names, including Bon Jovi, in Europe where their unique blend of rock, funk and soul found a greater audience. The band went on a long hiatus after 1991’s “The Heat”. Reed went on to form Adrenaline Sky a few years later followed by a long lay off from the music business.
Reed returned with a few solo records before the band reformed and released “Fight Another Day” in 2016.
“Let’s Hear It For The King” begins with a tribal beat and an infectious guitar riff and we are off. “Pretty Karma” speaks to the political strife in the country, but Reed gives a glimmer of hope in the chorus. “Pretty Karma” is one of my favorite tracks of the year so far and a fantastic start to the record.
“The Ghost Inside” features another tasty guitar riff as Reed sings about the demons we all face inside. Another great track that’s both haunting yet hopeful.
Reed has said “Starlight” was inspired by AC/DC and you can hear that influence in the opening seconds of the track. The band adds its own flair to make this track their own.
A funky riff gets “Supernova” going and a call back to “Mind and Body”, an early DRN track, repeats throughout the track. The song speaks to the desire for everyone to be a rock star and the chase for fame. It’s this kind of versatility that makes this band so great.
The title track combines all of their musical influences into one track. Reed tears into a society that allows the rich and connected to play by a different set of rules. Reed’s vocal stands out as you can hear the anger and frustration in his voice. A brilliant track.
“I See Angels” is the perfect counterbalance to the social commentary of the previous track as it speaks to seeing the good in humanity. The band has always been willing to both point out the darkness and the light in the world. A much needed positive track that really works.
“Homegrown” has a very different vibe, almost a rap track with a funky groove and some heavier guitars in the chorus. This track is what makes DRN who they are. Their ability to cross genres effortlessly and still sound like themselves.
“Stumble” is another great example of who this band is. It’s got a great groove, it doesn’t really fit into one genre and deals with the complexities of religion. Who else does that?
Newest band member, Rob Daiker, is the main songwriter on “Just Might Get It”. The song revolves around the idea of being careful for what you wish for. A great idea for a song and a well conceived track.
“Where’s the Revolution” might be the most old school DRN sounding track on the record and pays tribute to another early DRN track “Fire In The House”. The band is both paving a new path while celebrating where they came from. This is how bands should evolve and grow.
“Are You Ready?” asks the question of humanity if we are ready to deal with the problems we are facing. It’s both a critique and a rallying cry for us to get ready. I love a band that has something to say and challenged me to think but doesn’t compromise their musical integrity.
“Unfuck My World” sounds like it could have been on 1991’s “The Heat”. This is Reed’s call that if you don’t like the world you are living in then change it.
The album closes with “Last Day on Saturn”, a short story of sorts of a space traveler that’s both exploring and running away. It’s a wonderful metaphor for our own search for purpose. Such a great way to end the record.
Dan Reed Network is back. “Let’s Hear It For The King” is a statement record. The band has reclaimed their place in rock and roll as innovators with something important to say.
I’ve always loved that DRN was a band with something to say while making great music. I love the sound of this record alone, but along with the challenging and thoughtful lyrics, “Let’s Hear It For The King” is glorious.
This record is one of the major highlights of the year so far. I cannot urge you enough to go get this record. I can’t imagine how this record could be any better. It’s both innovative and familiar. It’s embraces the past while forging a new path. It’s perfect.
100 out of 100
Track Listing
1. PRETTY KARMA (4:25) *
2. THE GHOST INSIDE (3:51) *
3. STARLIGHT (3:51)
4. SUPERNOVA (4:52)
5. LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE KING (4:30) *
6. I SEE ANGELS (3:50) *
7. HOMEGROWN (4:32)
8. STUMBLE (4:08) *
9. JUST MIGHT GET IT (4:16)
10. WHERE’S THE REVOLUTION (4:08)
11. ARE YOU READY? (4:10)
12. UNFUCK MY WORLD (3:58)
13. LAST DAY ON SATURN (5:35) *
*Best Songs